On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | May 22, 2019 | Elder Law, Firm News
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What makes a will legal?” Sometimes, the person asking is worried that their final wishes won’t be respected. Other times, we hear the question when someone suspects — for one reason or another...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | May 6, 2019 | Firm News, Probate And Estate Administration
One of the many reasons that people hate it when an estate goes through probate is that it can take a long time to “settle” the estate and finally give the heirs their inheritance. You can generally expect the probate process in Ohio to last a minimum of...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | May 3, 2019 | Firm News
When people take the step of creating a last will or estate plan, one issue they often overlook is taking the time to plan for their funeral. After all, your funeral service is going to remind people of your legacy and provide comfort to your loved ones as they grieve...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | Apr 26, 2019 | Estate Planning, Firm News
You get married and have two children. Then your spouse files for divorce. You split up, wait a few years, and get married again. Your new spouse also has two kids from a previous marriage. This relationship lasts. As you both grow older, you decide to do your estate...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | Apr 12, 2019 | Estate Planning, Firm News
One of the questions a lot of our older clients struggle with is what to do with their jewelry and watches. Many of these items are beautiful, costly and hold emotional significance for their owners — so they want their heirs to inherit the pieces. At the same...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | Mar 27, 2019 | Elder Law, Firm News
Here’s a fact that should startle — if not outright scare — most Ohio seniors: Only 9 percent of the state’s probate courts require a proposed ward to be present for an initial guardianship hearing. Yes, that’s right. In the majority of...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | Mar 12, 2019 | Firm News, Probate And Estate Administration
So, you’ve been left in charge of someone’s estate and everyone seems to be clamoring at your door with requests. Your brother, Bob, wants you to hand over Dad’s watch because it was always promised to him. Your cousin, Anne, wants the silver tea set...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | Mar 7, 2019 | Firm News
A loved one passes away in Ohio. You moved out of the state years ago, so there is a flurry of activity as you try to make plans to come home and you attempt to figure out what role you have along with the other heirs. Perhaps it is you and your siblings trying to...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | Feb 25, 2019 | Estate Planning, Firm News
Most of the time, parents try to be fair to their children — even after those children are grown. Therefore, it’s natural for parents to be concerned about how to divide their assets in their wills for their adult children. However, “fair”...
On behalf of Kathryn T. Joseph & Associates, Inc. | Feb 14, 2019 | Estate Planning, Firm News
There are a lot of reasons that people put off writing their wills. Maybe they’ve simply never thought about — or maybe they don’t want to think about dying. Whatever the reason, around 60 percent of American adults are currently without wills....